Staff Reports
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made it rain in Iowa, dropping a whopping $72 million to grab second and third place in the Iowa Republican caucuses. That’s right, they spent more money than most people will see in a lifetime just to be runner-ups. Talk about a pricey popularity contest!
But get this, folks: even though Haley and DeSantis spent a fortune, they still couldn’t top former President Donald Trump’s massive support in the state. That’s right, Trump’s grassroots backing is so strong that it’s got these two big spenders eating his dust.
DeSantis, Haley Spent $72M Combined in Iowa to Place Second, Third https://t.co/sBfozESt8Q
— Jason Miller (@JasonMillerinDC) January 16, 2024
Let’s break it down: Haley splurged a jaw-dropping $37 million, while DeSantis shelled out a hefty $35 million. That’s more dough than a baker could knead in a lifetime! And what’s even crazier is that this spending spree added up to over half of the $123 million spent on ads by all the Republican candidates combined. It’s like a money marathon, and these two were running for the gold medal in spending.
The numbers don’t lie, folks. Trump’s dominance was on full display, with 53 percent of Republican caucusgoers showing their love for the former president. DeSantis managed to grab second place with 21 percent, while Haley took third with 18 percent. It’s clear that Trump’s shadow looms large over the competition, and these big bucks spent by Haley and DeSantis just couldn’t overshadow his strong support.
And what were the hot-button issues for these caucusgoers? Well, it turns out immigration took the top spot at 40 percent, followed closely by the economy at 35 percent. Foreign policy and abortion also made the list, showing that Republicans in Iowa are fired up about these topics. It’s clear that these issues are driving the conversation and influencing the vote, and the candidates better take note if they want to stay in the race.
Now, despite blowing through all that cash in Iowa, Haley and DeSantis are packing up their millions and heading to New Hampshire. But guess what? Trump’s leading the pack there too, according to the polls. Looks like these big spenders are facing an uphill battle, and Trump’s showing no signs of slowing down.
So, buckle up, folks, because this race is just getting started. There’s more drama, more cash, and definitely more surprises to come. And you can bet the farm that Trump’s shadow will continue to loom large over the competition as they scramble to catch up. Stay tuned for the next pricey showdown, because in politics, money talks – and these candidates have a lot to say!
